News

Traffic Fatality - UPDATE

Friday, November 15, 2013

The driver of the yellow S.U.V. has contacted the Sheriff's Office. Our thanks to the media for your emphasis, assistance and support. The investigation continues.

(Original Press Release - 11/13/13)

On Tuesday, November 12, 2013, at 12:00 p.m., a 9-1-1 operator with the Lee County Sheriff's Office Communications Center received a call about a traffic crash. The incident occurred at the intersection of Business U.S. 41 (North Tamiami Trail) and Powell Drive in North Fort Myers. Deputies responded to the scene.

As a result of the crash, two women sustained injury and were transported to the Trauma Center at Lee Memorial Hospital. Patricia Durocher of North Fort Myers was treated and released, however, Ruth Babski, age 89, of 3121 Old Farmhouse Drive, North Fort Myers was pronounced deceased at the hospital. Due to the nature of the incident, a Traffic Homicide Detective with the Sheriff's Office Traffic Unit was assigned to investigate.

Preliminary details indicate a 1997, white, Corvette driven by 69 year old Joseph Recarey of 1013 N.E. 32nd Lane, Cape Coral was southbound on Business U.S. 41 and entered the left turn lane to Powell Drive, behind a yellow S.U.V. (possibly a Ford). After coming to a stop and waiting a period of time, Recarey pulled to the right of the S.U.V., went around the vehicle and began his turn on to Powell Drive. Patricia Durocher was driving north on Business U.S. 41 in a 2007, red, Honda. The vehicles collided in the intersection.

Detectives would like to speak with the driver of the yellow S.U.V. who may have witnessed the crash. The driver, or anyone who may know the identity of the driver, is asked to call the Sheriff's Office Traffic Unit at (239) 477-1636.

The investigation continues.

Media inquiries are directed to the Public Information Officer at (239) 477-1340.